One to remember

Fine weather, large crowds, impressive livestock, a great range of trade stands and some superb arena events made this year’s Heathfield Show one to remember.

Finally released from the confines of lockdown, around 19,000 people attended the show at Little Tottingworth Farm, Broad Oak, to enjoy attractions that included a Hurricane fly-by and an impressive display by the broke FMX freestyle motocross team.

The main ring also hosted some great young riders competing in the Cranwell Wealth Solutions Shetland Pony Grand National and a display by riders and hounds from the East Sussex & Romney Marsh Foxhounds, the Southdown & Eridge Foxhounds and Ashford Valley, all of which soon intermingled in happy chaos.

The Heathfield Silver Band and the ever-popular Sheep Show also attracted good crowds, while a range of country craft displays and trade stands proved popular with visitors. A splendid turnout of vintage tractors and other farm machinery was another big draw, both at their static location and when they paraded in the main ring towards the end of the day.

Show secretary Nicola Magill said the show had been a huge success, with great feedback from visitors throughout the day and since. Exhibitors included a large number of agricultural machinery dealerships, land agents, contractors and producers, all taking the opportunity to meet up with friends and customers old and new.

The livestock entries also impressed, with sheep and pig numbers up and a high standard on display. Best in show results were:

Supreme Beef Champion:
Tottingworth Mary 1st – Tottingworth Farm Ltd

Supreme Dairy Champion:
Douglas’s Corakazam – Miss M Howie

Supreme Pig Championship
Wakeham-Dawson & Harmer

Supreme Sheep Championships
E Sargent

South East Farmer publisher Jamie McGrorty presented prizes to three top stands at the show.

Boxes of English wine generously provided by the magazine’s sister publication Vineyard Magazine were handed over to Katrina Waters from John Bourne and Co Ltd, winner of the prize for Best Agricultural Stand under 12m, with Chris Davis from Agrifactors Southern Ltd, judged the best of the larger displays.

Steve Moody, from Frogheath Landscapes, went home with two boxes after winning the awards for the Best Non-agricultural Stand and the Best Sussex-based Stand. “Having exhibited at the Chelsea Flower Show I thought it would be good to attend a local event and support the 75th anniversary of the Heathfield Show,” he commented.

A fifth award, designed to recognise exhibitors demonstrating a commitment to the environment and sustainability, was presented to the Happy Dog, Happy Planet stand.